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SCHOOLS OF THE CITY OF BUFFALO. ist in other departments of life, in this pursuit all should be placed on the same level, and acknowledge a republic of letters.

Extracts from the Report of S. CALD WELL, City superintendent, for 1843.

"IN obedience to the charter of the city, the superintendent of schools begs leave to submit his annual report.

Since the date of my report in February last, the number of children in the city between the ages of five and sixteen years, has increased from four thousand seven hundred and ninetyfive to five thousand five hundred and seventythree; the number of colored children, between the same ages, has increased from seventy-nine to one hundred the number of private and seleet schools and academies in the city, at the present time, is thirty-seven; the number of scholars therein one thousand three hundred and fifteen; and the tuition the present quarter, amounts to the sum of five thousand one hundred and nine dollars and twenty-nine cents; or, for the whole year, twenty thousand four hundred and thirty seven dollars and sixteen cents."

"Since my last annual report the increase and improvement of the public schools have been rapid and encouraging. In almost every district it has been found necessary to furnish additional desks and seats, and in many of them additional teachers. Hence it was found necessary last spring to divide the school in district No. 9, into two departments; and although that district labors under the same embarrassment as No. 14 and No. 2, for the want of a proper building, yet the progress of the school has been such as to meet the approbation of the district, as well as of those who have the charge and supervision of the school department.

"In the several districts not above alluded to, the schools are large, and flourishing under the charge of successful teachers."

"" More than three thousand volumes now be long to the school library; of these more than four hundred volumes have been added since my last annual report. A part of this library is at all times in the several districts, placed under the charge of the teachers for the use of the scholars ; while much the larger portion of it remains under the charge of the superintendent for the accommodation of the citizens at large, This benign arrangement brings the library within the reach of every inhabitant; more than twelve hundred volumes, including those distributed in the districts, are drawn and read every week. A slight examination of this matter will satisfy the Council that a librarian should be employed to take charge of the library, deliver and receive books, see to the district libraries, and keep the books in repair. The time of the superintendent should be devoted exclusively to the schools; his visits to them should not be few and far between," but his time should be spent in watching their progress, advising the teachers, encouraging the scholars, and keeping the system in harmonious motion."

"

"How mistaken the policy that should sustain a system that inculcates and presupposes a distinction of ranks arising from the possession of property. The world has often witnessed and groaned under such distinctions; the government from which we separated in 1776 is now exhibiting the legitimate fruits of it, in the misery and destitution of the millions under the oppressions of titled wealth.

(( A Republic recognizes no such distinctions, and should never exhibit such glaring evidences of wickedness and mis-government. To guard against the possibility of a similar fate, education must be made universal: instead of closing the door against the instruction of the poor, they should rather be compelled, as in Germany, to be educated at the public expence. Hence the anxiety of patriots and philosophers, the vir tuous and the good upon earth, to accomplish this glorious result. The fathers of the revolu. tion warned us that our liberties could only be sustained on the virtue and intelligence of the people. It is the part of true wisdom to profit by the lessons of the past; and whatever may be the dictates of prudence in regard to the local improvements of the city, no sordid selfishness should interfere to bias the public councils or deceive the public mind when this great cause is urged upon their attention. True economy demands the most liberal appropriations. Bring all the children of the city into the schools, and vice and immorality will take their flight. Our courts and prisons will hear no more of juvenile delinquents; and idleness, a prolific source of mischief, will not be found enticing the honest school-boy from his studies, or disturbing the quiet of community by depredations upon the property of others.

"It is with the work of education as it is with the political movements of the country. At the primary meetings the ball is set in motion that, in its course, may affect the policy, and perhaps settle the destinies of this entire nation. It should be our glory to add the weight of our influence in the great effort, now in progress, to enlighten the minds and improve the morals of the generation that is soon to take our places, and assume the responsibilities that we now bear: In the eloquent language of a western statesman, "Let the commonwealth take care of the children, and the children will take care of the commonwealth."

"We find ourselves in the midst of a period that is making mighty strides in all the embellishments of life, as well as in its substantial benefits. New views are now entertained in regard to the theory of governments, and the conduct of individuals. Man is no longer regarded as an instrument in the hands of a tyrannical master, but as a thinking being endowed by his Maker with capacity to act and judge for himself, and responsible only to Him for the proper "The system should be brought to such per- discharge of the trust that the social compact fection that the entire youth of the city should imposes upon him. Hence we behold the march begin and end their studies in the public schools. of mind into the infinite field of nature-the proThey should from first to last know and feel that gress of knowledge, the prevalence of free printhe humblest scholar is equal with the highest; ciples and the community of nations, brought that the factitious circumstance of wealth is un- about by the application of science to the useful worthy of consideration while in the pursuit of arts. In this astonishing progress we find a knowledge; that, whatever distinctions may ex- | stimulus to exertion. As knowledge is exten

sive we now aim to make it universal; and while the few are reaping the reward of industry and skill, we seek now to bring the great mass of mind into competition, so that the honors that now fall upon a few shall ennoble the

race.

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Increase in the city during the year,....
The aggregate number attending the past
year,
4,246
do
do
in 1842, 3,454

Having determined that I will not be a candidate for the office of superintendent another term, I cannot withhold my acknowledgments to the present Council as well as to the last, for the uniform kindness and support they have ex-Increase in aggregate attendance,............. 792 tended to me while in the discharge of my official duties; and humbly hope that the same Pro- Average number in attendance the past vidence who has thus far sustained this great moral enterprise, will not withdraw his coun. tenance from it, and that the hearts of the peo. ple may incline towards wisdom and not turn therefrom."

SCHOOLS OF ROCHESTER.

Extracts from the Report of I. F. MACK, city superiatendent, for 1843.

year,

do
do
Increase in average attendance,

2,684

in 1842, 2,433

251

There are in the city three incorporated
schools and fourteen ordinary private
schools, now in operation. The
number attending the same the past
year is.......

Entire number who have attended no
school,.....

The number of children in the city, Dec.
31, 1841, was .....

599

805

4,800

"In an enterprise which claims for its object the education of every child in this city, signal results cannot reasonably be expected in a single year; I come, however, to exchange congratulations with you, on the successful and progressive operations, for another year, of a system of 'Free Public Schools,' which had its origin in an enlarged and liberal principle of be- The number attending no school,....... 2,090 nevolence, and in the prosecution of which, we are impelled forward by the divine command, to love our neighbor as ourselves.

The number attending all schools during
that year,.

2,710

"It is seen, therefore, that not only the number, but the proportion of children attending no school is greatly diminished. This circumstance alone gives cheering evidence of the hap. py results of our system, and should encourage and stimulate its friends to continued effort."

"Were our greetings at this time unmixed with regrets, the occasion would furnish an anomaly in the history of human life. Were the operations of that system, which has existed but a little more than two years, already harmoni. ous in all its parts, were there no errors uncor"The entire number of volumes in all the rected-no defects uncured-no prejudices unal- District Libraries is 5,000. These can be made, layed-no selfishness unrebuked-no untoward by proper management, the means of an im circumstances yet to be overcome, then indeed mense amount of benefit, not only to the rising might our salutations at this time be without generation, but to the adult population. The alloy. books have been, in most instances, well select"Were such results, however, so soon real-ed, and are generally (as they in all cases should ized, would not the system of free public in-be) unexceptionable in their character, to all struction be in imminent danger? A growth so rapid, to full maturity, of an institution so benevolent in its object, so at war in principle with selfishness, and depending for its support on the free will of the people, might have an ephemeral existence. But that system, having passed the ordeal of a rigid public scrutiny, which shall triumph over the strongest prejudi. ces, and most bitter opposition, will take deep root in the affections of the community. "The promise of increased interest in the schools, among all classes, and of their continued progress in improvement, given in my last annual report, has been in some measure ful-notice of every citizen. filled. By its operations for the last year, the friends of the system have been encouraged, and many of its former enemies disarmed. And although little more has yet been done, than to bring order out of confusion, and form out of chaos, yet enough has been developed to enable its friends to view in prospect a rich and an abundant harvest, if they faint not.'" "Whole number of children in the city, Dec. 31, 1843, between 5 and 16 years of age, as has

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classes and sects. By a wise and liberal provi-
sion of the State, the DISTRICT SCHOOL JOUR-
NAL, published at Albany, and edited by Fran
cis Dwight, Esq., is furnished gratuitously to
every school district. In addition to the varied
and rich fund of knowledge with which its pa
ges abound, this journal is the legal exponent
of the school laws of the State, and the orgait
of communication between the Str
tendent and all other school offices.
only entitled to a place in every D.-
ry, (where the laws of the Star
lumes, when bound, to be place',

"Of the 4,246 children atten"
schools the past year, more
der the charge of female
cumstance exhibits one of
fits arising from the pres
system in this city.
large districts, colleg
from 150 to 300 pupils,
ed perfect, and the vie
permanently secured.

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of time, nor place, nor rank, nor circumstance ;' that it asks but freedom and requires but light,' and that difficulties do but stimulate its vigor.

female departments, embracing in the aggregate nearly three-fourths of all the scholars in the schools are in this way under the instruction of qualified ladies. The employment of the same order of talent and acquirements can be obtain- The system of free schools is one, then, which ed at a much lower cost in them than in males. commends itself to the kindest regards of every But this is far from being the only motive which philanthropist, patriot and Christian. It should should induce their employment. Woman, withdraw to its halls the children of all. It furnishher innate attractiveness-her patience, perse-es a place where the rich and the poor may meet verance her taste-her natural 'aptness to together, where the walls of partition, which teach,' and withal her native devotion to virtue circumstance may, for a time, seem to have and intelligence-is. from the nature of things, raised between them, may be removed-where (if properly educated,) pre-eminently fitted to the kindlier feelings between children of all fill the office of teacher. It is her peculiar pro- classes may be enkindled-where the indigent vince to captivate and interest the youthful may be excited to emulate the cleanliness, decomind, to chasten and subdue its passions and corum, and mental improvement of those in betcorrect its waywardness, to teach it to loathe ter circumstances-where the children of our and abhor everything that is mean, low, sensu- wealthier citizens may have an opportunity of al, and grovelling, and to love, admire, and imi- sympathising in the wants and privations of tate all that is lovely and of good report.' their fellows of the same age-where both in"Of the entire number attending the schools, sensibly forget the distinctions which difference 2,085 are females. This fact should gladden of circumstances would otherwise have created the heart of every philanthropist. When we and where all feel the conscious dignity of rereflect upon the nature and sphere of female in-ceiving their instruction as a right, to which, as fluence that she stamps, in the nursery and in children of citizens, they are entitled, and which the family circle, the earliest and most lasting should not be denied them." impressions upon the mind and heart-when we consider that her pure and enlightened influence is indispensable to the progress of religion, civilization and refinement-the importance of universal female education must be admitted. Napoleon, deeply impressed with the importance of an improved system of education in his realm, once said to Madam Campan, (a cele. brated teacher,) The old systems of instruction are worth nothing. What is wanting, in order that the youth of France be well educated?' Mothers,' replied the lady. The Emperor, struck with the remark, exclaimed, Here is a system of education in a single word!' The senior female departments of many of our schools reflect great credit, not only on the teachers and pupils, but on the city, and would suffer little in comparison with the best female academies in the land."

"Is there still in our city, a man who doubts the justness and utility of free public schools, but would prefer to create the invidious distinc tion between innocent and unoffending children, by the establishment of free charity schools for the indigent; I can no better answer him than in the language of another: 'I utterly repudiate as unworthy not of free men only, but of men, the narrow notion, that there is to be an education for the poor, as such. Has God provided for the poor a coarser earth, a thinner air, a paler sky? Does not the glorious sun pour down his golden flood as cheerily upon the poor man's hovel, as upon the rich man's palace? Have not the cottager's children as keen a sense of all the freshness, verdure, fragrance, melody and beauty of luxuriant nature, as the pale sons of kings? Or is it in the mind, that God has stamped the imprint of a baser birth, so that the poor man's child knows with an inborn certainty, that his lot is to crawl, not to climb ? Let any one pass through the halls of our pub. lic schools; contrast the exhibitions of mind and intellect in those of the most indigent parents with those of our wealthiest citizens, and they will soon learn that mind is not only imperial and immortal, but that it bears no bound

"In conclusion, I would commend the inte. rests of education to the GREAT AUTHOR of intelligence and virtue, and to the watchful care and generous liberality of the citizens of this thriving city. I ask for the schools a liberal pecuniary provision; for the children, that domestic interest and attention which will secure to them, through prompt and regular attendance, the blessings of such provision; for the teach. ers, that respect, confidence and hearty co-ope ration to which both their talents and their responsible calling so justly entitle them; and for those who, by the votes of this community, are appointed to the care and supervision of the schools, that sympathy, aid and candid consi deration, without which these nurseries of intelligence and virtue must languish, and the benefits they are designed to confer be defeated.

YOUTH'S MISCELLANY.

KNOWLEDGE.

BY L. H. SIGOURNEY.

THERE has never been a period, in the history of the world, when knowledge was so highly prized, as in the present age. Neither has there ever been a country, where it was so universally diffused, as in our own. Some degree of it, is surely within the reach of every person.

Have you ever thought much of the evils of ig. norance? Have you observed how narrow and prejudiced the uneducated mind becomes ?-how credulous and superstitious?-bow prone to mistakes, with regard to the nature of duty, and the nature of happiness?

The poor Burman's highest idea of happiness, is to be turned into a buffalo, and lie down in a field of high grass, where there are no masquetoes to annoy. "We want nothing but healthy bodies, and plenty of seals to eat," said the Greenlanders to the first missionaries who sought them out. Ignorance augments the value of the things of sense, and substitutes low appetites for the pleasures of intellect.

how came

A right education is not merely the reading of Being told that it belonged to his gardener's many books, but the ability of making knowledge son, a youth of eighteen, he said, useful to ourselves, and others. It is not simply to acquire influence over our fellow-creatures, but to make that influence subservient to moral excellence and piety.

To have a knowledge of our duties to mankind, and not perform them, is injustice; to endeavour to discharge them to mankind, and not to God, is impiety. So that a good education, comprises right motives, as well as good conduct. Some minds have found such delight in knowledge that they have conquered many obstacles, and endured great hardships, to obtain it. They have never felt that they paid more than it was worth. Let us select a few such instances; for a philosopher has truly said, that we yield to facts, when we resist speculation."

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The celebrated Ben. Johnson, was a brick. layer and mason. While he worked with his trowel, he carried a book in his pocket, and the labor of his hands did not hinder the improve. ment of his mind. "Let not those blush, said the historian Fuller, who have, but those who have not a lawful calling, by which to earn their

bread."

Thomas Simpson, an able English scholar, Professor of Mathematics and Fellow of the Royal Society, was the son of a weaver. His father, who took him into his shop, when a boy, and tried to repress his fondness for reading, at length forbade him even to open a book, and insisted upon his confining himself the whole day to the loom.

But Thomas Simpson could not give up his love of knowledge. So his father accused him of obstinacy, and turned him out of his house. He maintained himself for a while, in a neighboring town, by working at his trade, and thought himself very happy, to be able to devote a few spare moments to a book whenever he could borrow one.

He was young when he went to London, and entered that great city, an entire stranger and without a single letter of recommendation. Nei. ther had he any thing of value, about his person, but a manuscript of his own, on Fluxions. This was pronounced superior to any other treatise on that subject in the English language. and his proficiency in science, gained him high reputation and respect.

William Hutton, was the son of a wool-comb. er, in Derby, England. "More than once, he says, my poor mother, with an infant on her knee, and others hanging about her, has fasted a whole day, and when food, at last came, divided her share among them."

From his seventh, to his fourteenth year, he worked diligently in a silk-mill, and was then bound apprentice to a stocking-weaver. Under all these discouragements, he cherished the love and pursuit of knowledge. He became at length. a respected member of the Antiquarian Society, and author of the History of Birmingham, and other publications.

you to a knowledge of these things?" Edmund replied," a servant taught me to read, ten years ago. Does one need any thing more, than the twenty-six letters, in order to learn every thing else that he wishes?"

In our own country, are many instances of those who have resolutely sought knowledge, amid difficulties and obstacles, and while earning a support, by the labor of their hands. Gov. ernor Everett, in an eloquent speech on the subject of education, communicated a remarkable letter from Mr. Elihu Burritt, a blacksmith, of which the following is an extract.

"I was the youngest of many brethren, and my parents were poor. My means of education were limited to a district school. These again were circumscribed by my father's death, which deprived me, at the age of fifteen, of the scanty opportunities which I had previously enjoyed.

"A few months after his decease, I apprenticed myself to a blacksmith, in my native village. Thither I carried a taste for reading, which I had previously acquired through the me dium of a society library : all the historical works in which, I had at that time perused.

"At the expiration of a little more than half my apprenticeship, I conceived the idea of study. ing Latin. Through the assistance of an elder brother who had obtained a collegiate education by his own exertions, I completed Virgil during the evenings of one winter.

"After devoting some time to Cicero, and a few other Latin authors, I commenced Greek. It was now necessary, that I should devote every hour of day-light, and a part of the evening, to the duties of my apprenticeship.

"Still, I carried my Greek grammar in my hat, and often found a moment, while heating some large iron, when I could place my book before me, against the chimney of my forge, and go through with the conjugation of a verb, unper. ceived by my fellow apprentices.

"At evening, I sat down unassisted and alone, to the Iliad of Homer, twenty books of which, measured my progress, in that language, during the winter. I next turned to the modern languages, and was much gratified to find, that my knowledge of Latin furnished a key to the literature of most of the languages of Europe.

"This circumstance gave a new impulse to the desire of acquainting myself with the philosophy, derivation, and affinity of the different European tongues. I could not be reconciled to limit my self to a few hours, after the arduous labors of the day.

"I therefore laid down my hammer, and went to New-Haven, where I recited to native teachers in French, Spanish, German, and Italian. I returned at the expiration of two years to the forge, bringing with me such books in those languages as I could procure.

"When I had read these books through, I commenced the Hebrew with an awakening deEdmund Stone was born in Scotland, more sire of examining another field; and by assiduHis father was than a hundred years since, ous application I was enabled in a few weeks to gardener to the duke of Argyle. One day, this read this language with such facility that I alnobleman found on the grass a volume of "New-lotted it to myself as a task, to read two chapton's Principia," in Latin, and was much aston-ters in the Hebrew Bible before breakfast each ished to find that any of his laborers could morning; this, and an hour at noon, being all the time that I could devote to myself during the day.

read it.

"After becoming somewhat familiar with this language, I looked around me for the means of initiating myself in the rich fields of oriental literature, and to my deep regret and concern, I found my progress in this direction hedged up, by the want of requisite books.

"I immediately began to devise means of obviating this obstacle; and, after many plans, I concluded to seek a place as a sailor on board some ship bound to Europe, thinking in this way to have opportunities of collecting at different ports, such works in the modern and oriental languages as I found necessary for this object. "I left the forge and my native place, to carry this plan into execution. I travelled on foot to Boston, a distance of more than a hundred miles, to find some vessel bound to Europe. In this I was disappointed, and while revolving in my mind what steps to take, accidentally heard of the American Antiquarian Society in Worcester. "I immediately bent my steps towards this place. I visited the hall of the American Antiquarian Society, and found here to my infinite gratification, such a collection of ancient, mod. ern, and oriental languages as I never before conceived to be collected in one place, and, upon evincing a desire to examine some of these rich and rare works, I was kindly invited to an unlimited participation in all the benefits of this noble institution.

Availing myself of the kindness of the di. rectors, I spent about three hours daily at the hall, which, with an hour at noon, and about three in the evening, made up the portion of the day which I appropriated to my studies, the rest being occupied in arduous manual labour. Through the facilities afforded by this institution, I have been able to add so much to my previous acquaintance with the ancient, modern, and ori. ental languages, as to be able to read upwards of fifty of them, with more or less facility."

Is there not something like sublimity, in the perseverance by which knowledge is acquired, amid difficulty and discouragement? It surely must give great delight, to be able to uphold the mind under such severe exertions, as have been exhibited, in the various examples, of which we

read and hear.

The possession of knowledge, should lead the young to adopt high and noble motives of action. The ancient republic of Sparta, had an interesting custom, which was calculated to produce such

a result.

On a certain day, the inhabitants formed a procession, divided into three companies, the old, the middle-aged, and the young. Before the festive sports and exercises commenced, the hoaryheaded men, sent from their ranks a speaker, who said,

"We have been, in days of old,

Wise, generous, brave and bold." Those in the prime of life, then put forth their orator, who addressing the aged fathers of the people, replied,

"That which in days of yore, ye were,
We, at the present moment, are."

Lastly, from the blooming troop, a boy advanced and expressed in a clear, audible tone, the spirited resolution,

"Hereafter, at our country's call,
We promise to surpass you all."

hope, catch the spirit of this Spartan promise. If you cannot surpass the great and the good who have gone before you, study their excellences, walk in their footsteps, and God give you grace to fill their places well, when they are mouldering in the dust.

Remember that knowledge of the right kind leads to humility. The fully ripened ear of wheat, bends downward. It is the little blade, that holds itself up so pertly. It is the shallow brook that makes the loudest babbling among the pebbles.

True learning and goodness bow the soul in adoration, before a Being of perfect wisdom. The higher you ascend in knowledge, said a philosopher, the wilder is the region you see beyond you ;-Alps upon Alps, which no human intellect has surmounted.

Let me address to you the words of Alcuin, who wrote in England, more than a thousand years ago: "Oh ye, who enjoy the youthful age, so fitted for your lessons,-Learn!-Be docile!Acquire the conduct and manners so beautiful in the young.

"Let your early days be adorned with the study of the virtues, that your age may shine in honor. For remember that the passing hour, like the receding wave, never returns again.” CONVERSATION OF THE VULTURES.

BY DR. JOHNSON.

A shepherd in Bohemia has, by long abode in the forests, enabled himself to understand the voice of birds. At least he relates with great confidence a story, of which the credibility is left to be considered by the learned.

"As I was sitting," said he, "within a hollow rock, and watching my sheep that fed in the valley, I heard two vultures interchangeably crying on the summit of the cliff. Both voiceswere earnest and deliberate. My curiosity prevailed over my care of the flock; I climbed slow. ly and silently from crag to crag, concealed among the shrubs, till I found a cavity where I might sit and listen without suffering or giving

disturbance.

"I soon perceived that my labor would be well repaid; for an old vulture was sitting on a naked prominence, with her young about her, whom she was instructing in the arts of a vulture's life, and preparing, by the last lecture, for their final dismission to the mountains and the skies.

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'My children,' said the old vulture, 'you will the less want my instructions, because you have had my practice before your eyes: you have seen me snatch from the farm the household fowl, you have seen me seize the leveret in the bush, and the kid in the pasture; you know how to fix your talons, and how to balance your flight when you are laden with your prey. But you remember the taste of more delicious food: I have often regaled you with the flesh of man.'

""Tell us,' said the young vultures, 'where his flesh is surely the natural food of a vulture. man may be found, and how he may be known: Why have you never brought a man in your ta

lons to the nest?'

"He is too bulky,' said the mother: 'when we find a man we can only tear away his flesh,

Dear sons of my country, her pride, and her and leave his bones upon the ground.'

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